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 Game: Dallas Cowboys (7-5) at Chicago Bears (6-6)
Time, place:
Monday, 8:40 p.m. ET, at Soldier Field, Chicago TV: ESPN
TV announcers: Mike Rico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters
Keys to the game: Chicago is nearing must-win territory, and has
the edge of icy temperatures on what has historically been a choppy
playing surface. RB Matt Forte has averaged 113.4 yards from
scrimmage in seven Monday night appearances and had 151 yards last
week at Minnesota. QB Jay Cutler (ankle) returned to practice and
could force a decision from coach Marc Trestman, who was pleased
with Josh McCown's play in four games Cutler missed to date this
season. Dallas is 32nd in total defense, 31st against the pass, but
can stick around by dodging turnovers and feeding RB DeMarco Murray.
The Bears are depleted up the middle and are being torn apart by big
plays in the running game, allowing 5.01 yards per carry and 153.6
rushing yards per game.
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Matchup to watch: Bears WRs Alshon Jeffery and
Brandon Marshall vs. Cowboys CBs Brandon Carr and Orlando
Scandrick — Jeffery is flourishing with McCown at the controls
and averaging 111.7 receiving yards per game. Marshall had 16
catches for 332 yards and three touchdowns in his past three
meetings with the Cowboys.
Player spotlight: Bears DT Jeremiah Ratliff — The
three-technique formerly known as "Jay" gets a shot at his
former employer after logging 27 percent of the snaps in his
debut with Chicago last week. It was his first action in more
than a year due to a torn groin muscle, an injury that kept him
off the field and caused Dallas to release him earlier this
season.
Fast facts: Jason Witten of the Cowboys has 860 receptions,
second in NFL history for tight ends behind Atlanta's Tony
Gonzalez. ... Cutler is 6-1 on Monday nights with 14 touchdowns
and three interceptions. Who will win and why:
Single-digit temperatures are expected but that might not slow
down scoring based on the fatal flaws of the defenses in this
game. QB Tony Romo's ability to avoid interceptions — Dallas is
plus-12 in turnover margin — while leaning on DeMarco Murray
gives the Cowboys a critical edge.
Our pick: Cowboys 31-27
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